Types of companies that can be set up in Norway

Norway, a Nordic country known for its majestic natural scenery and high quality of life, is increasingly asserting its position as an attractive investment destination on the international stage. Beyond its natural beauty, Norway possesses a stable economy and is rich in resources, especially oil and gas. Furthermore, Norway is pioneering innovative areas such as renewable energy, green technology, aquaculture, and marine, supported by a highly qualified and innovative workforce, opening up many sustainable and long-term growth opportunities for foreign capital. What types of companies can investors establish in Norway, Viet An Law would like to provide some information through the article below.

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Types of companies that can be set up in Norway

Aksjeselskap (AS) – Private/Limited Liability Company

Limited Liability: The liability of shareholders (aksjonærer) for the company’s debts and obligations is limited to the amount of capital they have invested or committed to contribute to the company. Their personal assets are protected from business risks.
Minimum Share Capital: When forming an AS, it is mandatory to have a minimum share capital (aksjekapital). Currently, the minimum is NOK 30,000.
Share-Based Ownership: Company ownership is divided into equal parts called shares (aksjer). Shareholders own shares in proportion to their capital contribution and have the right to vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Allmennaksjeselskap (ASA) – Public Joint Stock Company

Limited Liability: Similar to AS, the liability of shareholders (aksjonærer) is limited to the amount of capital they have contributed or committed to contribute to the company. Shareholders’ personal assets are protected.
High minimum share capital: This is a big difference from AS. The minimum share capital requirement (aksjekapital) to form an ASA is NOK 1,000,000.
Publicity and listing: While not required for every ASA to be listed, this structure was created to accommodate the issuance of shares to the public and trading on a stock exchange (such as the Oslo Stock Exchange – Oslo Børs).
More complex regulatory structure: The law applicable to the ASA (Allmennaksjeloven) regulates the regulatory structure more strictly.

Some other types company can be set up in Norway

Type	Minimum number of owners	Owner/Partner Responsibilities	Minimum Capital Required	Main Features / Suitable for
Enkeltpersonforetak (ENK): Private/Individual Enterprises	1	Infinity: The owner is liable with the entire personal property.	Not required	Simplest to set up & operate; there is no legal separation between the owner and the business; for freelancers, very small-scale businesses.
Ansvarlig selskap (ANS): Infinite Partnership	2 or more	Unlimited & Joint: Partners are liable with all of their personal assets for the company’s debts (which can be collected on behalf of other partners).	Not required	Based on agreement between partners; suitable for groups of experts (lawyers, accountants, architects…) to cooperate.
Kommandittselskap (KS): Limited Partnership	2 or more (at least 1 K.ist, 1 K.entar)	Limited within the scope of contributed capital.	No requirement for the company (but Kommandittist must contribute capital)	Combining infinite and limited liability; often used for projects or investments that require an operating partner to be the main responsibility and a partner to contribute passive capital.
Samvirke (SA): Cooperative	Usually 2 or more	Usually limited within the scope of members’ contributed capital.	Not required	The organization is owned and controlled by the member; objectives to serve the interests of members; for cooperative groups (agriculture, consumption, etc.).
Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak (NUF: Foreign Company Branch)		The foreign parent company is liable for the obligations of the Norwegian branch.	No minimum capital requirement in Norway (capital belonging to the parent company).	Not a new Norwegian company, but an official registration of the foreign company to operate in Norway; for a foreign company that wants to have a direct presence without setting up a new subsidiary.